The Best Museums in NYC for Art, History & Curiosity

New York City is known for its towering skyscrapers and Broadway lights — but some of its most unforgettable experiences are inside its museums. Whether you're an art lover, a curious explorer, or just looking for a memorable rainy-day plan, the city’s museums are a must.

This guide covers the best museums across NYC — all bookable directly through tickadoo — and grouped by what kind of experience you're after.

1. For Art Lovers: Iconic and Innovative

Whether you're chasing Warhols or street art, these museums offer the best of both classic and contemporary.

Museum of Modern Art (MoMA)

• Why go: See works by Van Gogh, Monet, Basquiat, and more.

• Highlights: “Starry Night,” sculpture garden, and rotating contemporary installations.

• Location: Midtown Manhattan

Whitney Museum of American Art

• Why go: A must-visit for fans of American modern and contemporary art.

• Highlights: Works by Edward Hopper, rotating exhibitions of living artists.

• Location: Meatpacking District, near the High Line

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

• Why go: A Frank Lloyd Wright-designed spiral icon with groundbreaking exhibitions.

• Highlights: Kandinsky, Picasso, and large-scale contemporary shows.

• Location: Upper East Side

The Banksy Museum

• Why go: A deep dive into the anonymous street artist’s global legacy.

• Highlights: Reproduced murals, interactive zones, and visual storytelling.

• Location: Lower Manhattan

2. For Curious Minds: Science, Nature & History

NYC’s cultural institutions offer hands-on learning, iconic exhibits, and full-family appeal.

American Museum of Natural History

• Why go: One of the world’s largest natural history museums.

• Highlights: Dinosaur fossils, the Hayden Planetarium, and dioramas from every continent.

• Location: Upper West Side

Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum

• Why go: Explore a massive aircraft carrier on the Hudson River.

• Highlights: Space shuttle Enterprise, fighter jets, and the Concorde.

• Location: Pier 86, Hell’s Kitchen

Bronx Zoo

• Why go: One of the largest zoos in the world — ideal for kids and animal lovers.

• Highlights: Congo Gorilla Forest, Butterfly Garden, and 700+ species.

• Location: The Bronx

New York Aquarium

• Why go: See sea lions, sharks, and coral reef life by the beach.

• Highlights: Ocean Wonders exhibit and touch tanks.

• Location: Coney Island, Brooklyn

3. For Something Different: Unexpected Museum Gems

Looking for something a little off the beaten path? These immersive and niche museums offer a fresh perspective.

Museum of Broadway

• Why go: The only museum dedicated to the history and magic of Broadway.

• Highlights: Set recreations, show memorabilia, and interactive timelines.

• Location: Times Square

Mercer Labs

• Why go: An immersive, tech-forward museum designed for exploration and play.

• Highlights: Interactive light installations, mind-bending visual rooms.

• Location: Lower Manhattan

ARTECHOUSE NYC

• Why go: A blend of art, tech, and storytelling that surrounds you.

• Highlights: Floor-to-ceiling motion-reactive projections.

• Location: Chelsea

4. Planning Your Museum Day with tickadoo

Here are some quick tips to make the most of your time museum-hopping:

• Book in advance. Many museums offer timed entry or skip-the-line access on tickadoo.

• Bundle locations. Plan by neighborhood — e.g. Guggenheim + Central Park, or Whitney + the High Line.

• Go early. Mornings tend to be quieter for popular spots like MoMA and the Natural History Museum.

• Take breaks. Most museums have cafés or gardens — perfect for pacing yourself.

• Look for rotating exhibitions. Keep an eye out for seasonal or limited-time shows that make your visit extra special.

Ready to Explore NYC’s Cultural Icons?

Whether you're visiting for the first time or looking to discover something new, New York’s museum scene is unmatched — and with tickadoo, planning your day is simple.

Explore and book museum tickets now at tickadoo.com.